Gweru businesswoman and philanthropist, Smelly Dube yesterday donated groceries worth thousands of United States dollars to Shurugwi female prisoners.
Dube, who is a land developer and River Valley Properties chief executive officer, also donated US$1 000 in cash and pledged to refurbish a block at the prison facility.
She also donated 200 litres of paint to spruce up the prison rehabilitation centre and pledged to drill a borehole at the facility.
In an interview on the sidelines of the donation event, Dube said the borehole would ensure women prisoners have access to clean water.
“As you are aware women need water a lot and the drilling of the borehole is a top priority for me,” she said.
“I also noticed that uninterrupted supply of water will enable women to embark on agricultural projects. This will help to improve their nutrition and health while they are serving their terms.”
The businesswoman said female inmates were often neglected compared to their male counterparts who usually get out of prison having acquired self-help skills in agriculture, carpentry, metal work, among others.
Dube said the refurbishment of the facility was meant to improve the living conditions of female prisoners, some of whom serve terms with minor children.
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